When the sun is not shining and the thought of boiling water makes you sweat, make sun tea.This popular summertime practice involves using the sun's energy to brew tea, rather than relying on electricity or gas.Learn how to make sun tea from tea bags or fresh herbs.The prep time is 5 minutes, the cook time 2 hours and the total time 2-4 hours.
Step 1: There is a sun tea container.
To allow the sun's rays to penetrate the tea bags and water, the container you use to make sun tea should be clear.If you want to prevent bugs from getting into your tea as it steeps, choose a container that has a lid.It is important to use a container that is easy to clean.If you want to make sun tea, don't use plastic containers that are difficult to wash.Chemicals in the plastic can affect the tea's taste and pose a health risk.
Step 2: Sanitize the container.
The perfect temperature forbacteria to breed is 130 degrees.It's important to make sure the container you're using is clean.The water should be brought to a boil on the stove.Place the container in the water and let it boil for a few minutes, then remove it with tongs and allow it to drain dry.It's summer and you would prefer not to use the boiling method.To clean the container and lid, use soap and hot water.
Step 3: The container needs to be filled with cold water.
You can buy distilled water at the grocery store.You could use bottled spring water.
Step 4: Put five teabags in.
Sun tea can be made with any kind of teabags.You can choose black, green, or herbal tea.Adding more than 5 teabags will make the tea stronger.It is possible to reduce its strength with more water.
Step 5: The container should be placed in the sun for at least 2 - 4 hours.
You can place it on a table or windowsill.It needs to be in a place where the sun hits it directly and not obscured by shadows.Don't let the tea sit in the sun for more than 4 hours.Leaving it out for a long time encourages the growth ofbacteria.Don't put the container on the ground.It can be put on a tray.
Step 6: The teabags need to be removed.
After a few hours in the sun, your tea should be strong and colorful.Remove the tea bags.If you want to chill the tea, you can keep it in the same container.The surface of the tea should be looked at for growth ofbacteria.If you see white spots, discard the tea.If the tea has a thick consistency, discard it.
Step 7: The tea should be served in the sun.
If you want, you can add some sugar to the tea.Pour the tea into the glasses with ice.
Step 8: Use the herbs you choose.
What is your favorite herb?For many people mint is the answer, but you don't have to limit yourself to just one when making herbal sun tea.If you want the flavor to be subtler, pick out one or more herbs that add up to about a cup.Try different flavors.Try lemon balm with a variety of herbs.Pick herbs that are fresh and healthy.If possible, pick them fresh.If you buy them at the store, make sure they are not discolored.You should try to get organic herbs.It's not a good practice to brew tea with herbs that have been sprayed with pesticides.
Step 9: The herbs have to be washed.
They should be washed thoroughly in cold water.Dirt and other debris can be removed by running your fingers over the leaves and stems.There is no need to remove the stems of the herbs.
Step 10: Prepare the container with water and herbs.
Put the herbs in a container with 4 cups of distilled or spring water.The container needs to be put on the lid.
Step 11: You can steep the tea in the sun.
It can be put in the windowsill or on the outside surface.The tea should be steep for 2 - 4 hours.Depending on what herbs you're using, remove it from the sunlight when the water is golden or green.
Step 12: You can drink the tea.
Sun tea is good for you.If you want to make it sweeter, pour it into glasses and drink it.It should be served iced.